Antique Afshar Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Southeast Iran
Dimensions: 137 x 179 cm

This late 19th century Afshar rug is a captivating example of the geometric tribal art from South Persia. Unlike the more common floral or “all-over” palmette designs found in Afshar weaving, this specific piece utilizes a rhythmic, staggered arrangement of stylized, tree like “cypress” or “shrub” motifs. Each icon is rendered with bold, rectilinear lines, featuring alternating tones of madder red and indigo blue against a warm, sun-faded ivory field.

The composition is characterized by its primitive yet balanced aesthetic, with the central icons flanked by tiny geometric florets and tribal secondary motifs that fill the negative space without overwhelming the primary design. The texture appears supple and lustrous, indicative of the high-quality hand-spun wool used by the Afshar nomads.

The rug is framed by a vibrant multi-border system. The main border features a repeating series of stylized rosettes or “boteh” variants on a deep madder red ground, providing a warm and authoritative frame for the lighter interior. This is flanked by narrow guard stripes in contrasting indigo and ivory, showcasing the weaver’s attention to graphic detail. This piece represents the creative spontaneity and rugged beauty of late 19th century nomadic textile art.

Stock No: 2761

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